PORTSMOUTH — Cabot House recently celebrated its 100th year in business with a gala black-tie event that benefited four local charities.

"We really wanted to give back to the community that has supported us for so long," said Gail Bradbard, manager and an interior designer at the Cabot House.

Billed as "Chairs for Charity," the Nov. 23 event raised more than $50,000 and Cabot House will soon divide the proceeds among AIDS Response Seacoast, Cocheco Valley Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity and Jaden's Ladder, a nonprofit organization that assists survivors of domestic violence.

"We've been a family-owned business for 100 years," Bradbard said.

In fact, the current matriarch of the family, Marjorie Bendetson, was at the event with her son Robert and his wife Joann. Robert Bendetson is the owner of the Cabot House furniture store in the Vaughan Mall and president of the company.

Bradbard decided to have six artists, many well known from across the country, paint on the blank canvas of a slipcovered Parsons chair that was auctioned at the event. Five artists graciously accepted Bradbard's invitation — Mary Blum, Kyle Damon, Greg Mort, Giovanni Pagnotti and Jay Schadler.

A sixth artist, Denise Brown, was chosen by a jury that reviewed entries from seven local artists who participated in a call for artists. Her chair depicted scenes from the Seacoast.

The event began with a cocktail reception at the Cabot House store, catered by Café Mediterraneo and Martingale Wharf with libations provided by Horizon Beverage Co. The reception was followed by a dinner and auction at the Harbor Events & Conference Center on Deer Street. More than 200 guests attended.

In addition to the chairs, many businesses donated items for a silent auction.

Maureen Boyd conducted the live auction and Lisa Nollet was master of ceremonies for the evening. Lex and Joe, a jazz duo, provided entertainment.

Several Marshwood High School students helped with serving hors d'oeuvres and checking coats.

Bradbard said people are still raving about the formal event and "how nice it was to see everyone dressed up for the evening."

Cabot House started with a small furniture store founded in Haverhill, Mass., in 1912 by Simon Stoleski. Today, his great-grandson, Robert Bendetson, is president of the company that has eight Cabot House stores, two Ethan Allen stores, five Thomasville stores and a Drexel Heritage store. All are located on the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida. The Portsmouth location has been open for 32 years.

"I think the business has done so well and survived all these years because it is a fourth-generation family business and the community has been so supportive," Bradbard said.